After a rocky start to the season, the Powhatan girls basketball team appears to be back on track.

The team opened the season with losses to Goochland, Matoaca and Louisa, but snapped the streak with a 35-34 win over Monticello on Dec. 12. On Jan. 3, the girls traveled to Nottoway, where they defeated the Lady Cougars 46-39

Powhatan lead Nottoway for the first two quarters, ending the first half at 25-15. And while Nottoway rallied to pull within seven by the close of the fourth quarter, the Lady Indians’ improved defense held them off.

Erin Lonon lead the Powhatan team with 14 points, followed by Ataya Harrison with 12.

According to head coach Paulette Bowman, the last two games served to highlight the fact that her girls are more than capable of turning things around.

“Against Nottoway, we won with our defense and because we’re able to play together as a team,” said Bowman. Despite a lack of height “they hustle and they never give up.”

Bowman says she has been particularly impressed with the play of junior center Harrison, now in her first season with the varsity team.

“She has come out and worked very hard, and she’s been a big contributor to our success,” said Bowman of Harrison, who also lead the team in rebounds against Nottoway.

Up next for the Lady Indians will be a rescheduled match-up against Fluvanna tonight, followed by trip to Greensville tomorrow night. Games start at 7:30 p.m.